WASHINGTON (RNS) Pope Benedict XVI never inspired the deep love and admiration enjoyed by his predecessor, Pope John Paul II, but Americans – and American Catholics even more so – still look favorably upon the soon-to-be-former head of the Roman Catholic Church.

A newly-released Washington Post-ABC News poll also shows that nearly two in three Americans (64 percent) strongly approve of the pope’s unexpected decision earlier this month to retire because of his failing health.

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